Gout is common in toes and feet. Where else can this disease attack? Four other joints gout can affect you are ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows. Knowledge about these symptoms will give you a chance to treat your gout earlier to prevent lingering pain.
Gout, the buildup of uric acid crystals in your blood, is known as hyperuricemia. Excruciating pain, inflammation, and tender joints are the main symptoms. The CDC states “Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remission-weeks, months, years -without symptoms before another flare begins.”
1. Ankles
Your ankle is stiff, throbbing, and tender. It’s uric acid build-up. Your medical provider will discuss your diet, take a blood sample, and may take an X-Ray of your ankle to rule out other causes. A joint fluid test can be reviewed for uric acid crystals.
2. Knees
Intense pain when you walk and climb stairs can be signs of gout in the knee. This can occur in both knees. Tissue masses near the patella are rare but have been found.
3. Wrists
Gout in your wrist is not as common as in the toes, but you have a 19-30% chance if you are not monitoring your uric acid levels. Gnawing pain on flexing your wrist could be a warning sign of gout.
4. Elbows
Pain while you sleep, or if your sleeve touches your elbow may be a gout attack. Gout develops in the small sac at the end of your elbow called the bursa. Your doctor can do an aspiration to determine if uric acid crystals have been built up there.
Treatments
- Seek out your doctor when you have any questions.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Rest and elevate.
- Use ice packs.
- Take medications or supplements as prescribed.
